Overview

• Justice B V Nagarathna recorded a dissent over Justice Vipul Pancholi’s elevation, an uncommon public acknowledgement of disagreement within the five-judge collegium.
• The government approved Pancholi’s appointment on Wednesday after the collegium led by Chief Justice B R Gavai recommended him and Bombay High Court Chief Justice Alok Aradhe on August 25.
• Former Supreme Court judge A S Oka said the reason for the recorded dissent should be disclosed to enhance transparency in the appointments process.
• Oka cautioned that publishing full collegium deliberations or minutes could expose sensitive personal and financial information about candidates who are not selected.
• Reports attribute Nagarathna’s objections to Pancholi’s relatively low seniority, his 2023 transfer from Gujarat to Patna High Court, and concerns about regional balance, and some coverage notes he could be in line to become CJI in October 2031 if appointed.